Best-selling U.S. author Tom Clancy, a canny businessman who managed to turn himself into a brand, spawning successful film and video game franchises has died at age 66. Clancy, who debuted in 1984 with Cold War novel “The Hunt for Red October” and went on to publish a total of 25 fiction and non-fiction books including Patriot Games, The Sum of All Fears, Rainbow Six, Clear and Present Danger, Jack Ryan: Shadow One, Ghost Recon, Red Storm Rising and Splinter Cell.

Celebrity authors, companies and friends paid their respects online:

Jackie Collins: “RIP Tom Clancy. A great storyteller”
Brad Thor: “Rest in peace, Tom Clancy. Thank you for your patriotism and the countless hours of thrilling reading.”
James Scott Bell: “”Writing isn’t divinely inspired – it’s hard work.” Tom Clancy, RIP”
Joseph Finder: “Just saw the news that Tom Clancy has died. In 1984, Hunt for Red October changed the thriller game for all of us. RIP.”
Ubisoft UK: “We are deeply saddened to learn of Tom Clancy’s passing, our condolences go out to his family.”
SplinterCell: “Let’s share a moment of silence for the man who inspired greatness and shared some of the greatest stories ever told – RIP Tom Clancy.”
Ghost Recon: “We are saddened to learn of Tom Clancy’s passing and our condolences go out to his family.”
Penguin Books UK: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Tom Clancy. He was a master of his craft and it was our privilege to work with him.”
Penguin Books USA: “We are saddened by the passing of beloved bestselling author Tom Clancy. Fans worldwide, including us, will miss him greatly.”